Mountain Bike Skills Kids Camp At Whinlatter – Age 8 to 11

Mountain Bike Skills Kids Camp

Ages 8 to 11 (School Year 4 to Year 6)

Summer : 3 days on 20th/ 21st/ 22nd Jul 2026 from 1.15pm to 4.00pm

Summer : 3 days on 17th / 18th/ 19th Aug 2026 from 1.15pm to 4.00pm

October : 3 days on 26th/ 27th/ 28th Oct 2026 from 1.15pm to 4.00pm

Our mountain biking skills camps offer young riders the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the mountain biking trails at one of the leading UK trail centres at Whinlatter Forest. The MTB camp will cover a variety of fundamental skills that are crucial for both beginners and advanced riders.

Cyclewise Whinlatter is based at the MTB trail head at Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick. This area offers a range of graded trails offering flowing single track with berms and table tops in breath-taking woodland with stunning views. We also have our own dedicated mountain bike skills zone, perfect for skills development.

The camp is designed to be progressive, while ensuring a fun and safe environment. Here’s an outline of what a typical mountain biking skills camp might include:

1. **Body Positioning**

– Proper posture and positioning for control and comfort

– How to distribute weight (standing vs sitting)

– Using your elbows and knees to absorb terrain features

2. **Braking Techniques**

– Effective braking to maintain control (front vs rear brake usage)

– How to brake in turns, on steep descents, and on technical terrain

– Techniques to avoid skidding or losing traction

3. **Cornering**

– Body positioning during cornering

– How to lean into turns

– Brake and pedal techniques for smooth cornering

4. **Riding Over Obstacles**

– Riding over roots, rocks, and logs

– Techniques for lifting the front wheel (manuals and bunny hops)

– How to approach and conquer drop-offs, ledges, and small jumps

5. **Descending and Climbing Techniques**

– Body position for descending safely at speed

– Climbing strategies (seated vs standing, gear selection)

– Navigating technical sections on climbs and descents

6. **Technical Terrain**

– Riding on loose, muddy, or rocky surfaces

– Skills for rocky gardens, creek crossings, and rooty sections

– Developing smooth and controlled movements through rough terrain

7. **Advanced Skills (Experienced Riders)**

– High-speed cornering

– Jumps and drops

– Manuals, wheelies, and technical riding moves

– Riding on more challenging trails with advanced obstacles

Instructor Ratio: 1:6 maximum – we keep our training ratios low to ensure our tutor can spend the time required with each person on the course.
Course Cost: £110 for 3 half days